Home, Sweet Home

Thursday and Friday were both work days so basically all I did was work and do laundry, and of course curl up in a ball and watch anime with Dan and Phil. It was actually starting to grow on me now that I have finally managed to read the words fast enough to understand what they’re saying. I blame Lily.

Other than that I didn’t really do much, nor did I actually talk to Dan or Phil much. Usually within fifteen minutes of sitting on the couch with the guys, I fell asleep… mostly on Dan. He makes a very good pillow.

Friday morning I woke up earlier than I ever wanted to on my day off, 6am. I went downstairs with my phone and just laid on the couch until I heard the guys up and moving around. Around nine, Dan came in with his laptop and nearly sat on my head when in the process of assuming the browsing position. Not long after, Phil also joined us.

The three of us didn’t move until around noon when my phone, that had some way made its way under Dan’s butt, started to vibrate signaling I had a text. The start it gave Dan was very amusing but my amusement was short lived.

I opened the text from Lily to find a picture of her taken in front to her full length mirror. She looked amazing but the thing that really got me was what she was wearing over her light blue shirt.

“That bitch stole my jacket.” I said a little louder than my intended whisper.

“What?” Dan asked.

“Lily stole my jacket.” I said handing my phone to him so he could see for himself.

He just nodded and looked back to his computer. I am so going to kill her when I go home for Christmas. A few minutes later Dan turned to me.

“Did you ever open the packages on your bed?” he asked.

“No, they were just the two I sent. Candles and stuff from my shopping trip.” I replied.

“No I mean the big one.” He said.

I thought back to when I first got home. There was a third package on my bed that I didn’t send but I was too tired to open it or anything. Then with all of the work stuff and falling asleep on the couch most nights, I didn’t even think to open.

“I never opened it.” I said.

I grabbed Dan by the hand and pulled him with me. Phil was hot on our heels. All of a sudden, the feeling of Christmas and opening gifts had taken me over and I couldn’t wait to see what was in the package. Once I got to my room the feeling dissipated.

The package was from Lily and I was mad at her right now so I didn’t want to open it, but my curiosity had been peaked. I needed to know what was in that package.

The three of us sat on the floor and pulled the box to us. Dan grabbed my house keys off my bedside table and used those to cut into the box. We were then showered in a rain of foam peanuts. I’m gonna kill her then bring her back so I can kill her again. Those foam peanuts are a pain in the ass to clean and that bitch stole my favorite jacket.

Once we made it through the ocean of fucking foam peanuts, and my multiple sighs and eye rolls, we came across a black hard case that I knew contained an instrument. I pulled it out while Dan and Phil cleared a spot on the floor so I could set it down and open in.

I unhooked the latches, and what I found inside made me want to cry and kill Lily and now Ian.

“Why did they send you a guitar?” Phil asked confused.

Dan on the other hand just kind of looked at me with a smug look like he knew why I had a guitar. The look he was giving me instilled a feeling of dread. Did he know I was musically inclined?

“That bitch stole my jacket and sent me a guitar.” I said at barely a whisper.

I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes. This was the same guitar that I had put on hold at the music store. Lily and Ian bought the guitar I wanted. Inside the case under the guitar was a note from Lily and Ian.

Happy Birthday. We knew how much you wanted this and Ian has always wanted to teach you. He was going to buy the whole thing for you but I didn’t know what to get you so I told him I would write the note if I could buy half. Then when we went to buy it, Ben would only let us pay a hundred each. He said the rest was a gift to you. I love you and even though you hate your birthday, I hope this on is the best you have so far.

Love always,

Lily <3

P.s. I’m stealing your jacket. Happy birthday!

Her note made the welled up tears overflow, and the last line made me snort a little. I had just managed to pull myself together when Phil said that he found another note amongst the stupid fucking foam peanuts.

Sammie,

I suck at cards but I felt like even though Lily is doing one, it would mean more if I did one. I just wanted to say that I really wish you had shown some interest in the guitar sooner. Like when you were still living in the states, but now this gives me an excuse to skype you once a week.

You are the best little sister anyone could have ever asked for. I consider you not just to be my little sister, but also one of my best friends. Nah you are my best friend. You talk me out of all the stupid things I almost attempted a few times.

I hope that someday you will come to enjoy your birthday because I for one, really enjoy celebrating you. If it weren’t for you I could possibly be in jail or Dad would have killed me. I’m so glad you came home for your birthday and yeah I suck at writing notes.

I love you, you little treble maker,

Ian

P.s. Lily is making me help her steal your jacket. I couldn’t say no so I owe you one jacket. Love you.

Once again, my eyes welled up and over flowed. Ian was right, he did suck at notes, but he was also right that it meant more for him to write a note. I felt bad that now I have to kill them both for stealing my jacket and the STUPID FUCKING FOAM PEANUTS.

“I don’t understand, why did they sent you a guitar. You don’t even play, do you?” Phil asked.

Dan was once again staring at me with a smirk on his face. I hung my head knowing I would finally have to tell them.

“No Phil, I can’t play the guitar but I can teach myself if I really want to.” Phil looked at me confused.

“But I thought you said you couldn’t read sheet music.” said Phil.

I took a deep breath.

“I’ve been lying. From the age of six I’ve been in voice lessons and I’ve experimented with a ton of different instruments. There was a time in my life where I was expected to get a scholarship to Julliard, a musical college in New York.” I said without looking at either of them.

“Sam, for some reason I just don’t believe you.” Phil said.

I looked up and Dan had pulled his phone out of his pocket.

“I have proof that she can do all of that. Sorry Sammie but Lily sent me videos of you at the piano. I know you can play. I understand you not wanting to tell anyone but I do feel like kind of an idiot for trying to teach you.” said Dan opening a video and giving the phone to Phil.

It was when Lily and I went for dinner at my parents and she made me wear that blue dress. I was playing Pyramid Song by Radiohead. I did pretty well if I do say so myself. Especially seeing as I was playing it from memory and I haven’t been able to really practice.

“How long have you known?” I asked looking at Dan.

“I’m pretty sure she recorded it and then sent it to me.” he replied.

I could feel myself growing redder and redder by the second. Yet another reason the kill Lily the second I see her.

“Wow Sam, you’re amazing. Why didn’t you tell us?” Phil asked.

“Phil, I’ll tell you later. Sam you need you go and shower if we’re going to catch our train to Brighton.” said Dan.

The guys stood and started leaving my room. Just before he left Dan turned to me.

“I just wanted to tell you that you have an amazing voice. Please, don’t fake singing bad anymore, in front of any of our friends.” He said.

All I could do is nod. He was just about to close the door when I remembered that I had something for him.

“Oh Dan, do you still have your keyboard?” I asked.

“Yeah, why?”

“Well I got the cord you needed for it. I was thinking that if it still works, we could set it up in the lounge. While you were away I attempted to play the piano in your room but it was very painful to listen to. I was just thinking that if you set it up in the lounge, I could teach you to read sheet music in exchange for you letting me use it.” I said mumbling at the end.

“Yeah, I’ll set it up in the lounge.” said Dan and then he closed the door behind him.

I got out my clothes and then headed to the shower. I didn’t take a long time getting ready because I wasn’t sure when the train left, I left that to the guys. In a few hours I was going to be in Brighton, one of my favorite places in the UK.

Dan and Phil both had gift bags containing what I assumed to be gifts and we made our way to the station. The ride was only about an hour so I didn’t think to bring my laptop but once we made it
on to the train I realized I should have grabbed it.

“Here.” said Dan pulling my laptop out of his overnight bag. “I figured you wouldn’t grab it but I thought you may end up wanting it while on the train.”

We didn’t really talk after that and before we knew it the train pulled into the station. The three of us called an Uber and gave the driver Zoe’s address.

When we walked through the door, I realized that we weren’t the first ones there. Zoe was the first to get to me and she wrapped me into a hug.

“Happy Birthday.” She said.

“Thank you.”

“Uh, where do you want me to put the presents for now?” Dan interrupted.

“Oh, I’ll take those.” said Alfie coming up behind me.

Before taking the presents he also hugged me and wished me happy birthday. Zoe then led the three of us into the lounge where everyone else was gathered. I managed to see Niomi, Marcus, Tanya, and Jim before I was engulfed in a bear hug by Louise.

“Lou, can’t breathe.” I said and then I felt someone hugging my leg.

Louise let me go and when I looked down I saw that Darcy was hugging me too and when she realized that Louise let go, so did she.

“I haven’t seen you in ages. We need to catch up on things but I can’t stay long. I have to take Darcy home but I wanted to come see you. Oh and I brought a friend and she brought a friend.” said Louise leading me over to the couch.

“Sam, this is Dodie and her roommate Evan. They do YouTube as well. You should hear Dodie sing. She is incredible.” Louise continued on talking.

I heard Dan snort in the corner when singing came up. I turned to glare him but when we made eye contact, I couldn’t help but return his smile.

There were a few people I hadn’t met before and they turned out to be Alfie’s sister and her boyfriend. Poppy and I got on quite well once we realized that we had a lot of things in common, including blogging.

Louise was right about Dodie having a very good voice, I realized while they were all singing me happy birthday. Zoe had the cake special made for me and it was probably the coolest cake I had ever seen.

It was black to white ombre. Black starting at the top and it was vanilla on the inside that had been dyed a gray color. I couldn’t help but laugh as I cut the first piece of cake and the inside was revealed.

“Hey, at least it matches our aesthetic.” Dan whispered into my ear causing me to let out a snort.

Hilarity ensued when we realized that the black frosting stained your teeth. Many selfies were taken. One of my favorites was on with Zoe. She focused in onto just our mouths and I gave her the go ahead to post it to Instagram.

Lots of people asked who I was but she didn’t reply to anyone. Dan and Phil had told her about how I had planned on being in some of their videos in the future but right now we were going to make the subscribers suffer with curiosity until I felt like I wanted people to know who I was.

Dodie had brought a ukulele with her and just started playing around with some cords. I recognized the song and then I realized why Dodie looked so familiar. I had stumbled across some of her videos.

After presents were opened we went back to the lounge and started a game of monopoly. I went bankrupt within the first twenty minutes of playing the game and Niomi was out shortly after I was.

“So what other presents did you get for your birthday?” Niomi asked attempting conversation.

Everyone’s focus was turned on to us as if they wanted to know if their presents were better.

“Um, I got Money from my parents with the expectation that I would go and visit for Christmas. My best friend Lily, got me a dress that’ll probably never get the chance to wear because of my perpetual singleness. My brother also got me a dress but I can wear that anytime. My music instructor got me this charm bracelet,” I said holding it out to show her. “Then Lily and Ian chipped in with a family friend to buy me a guitar, andstupidfuckingpackingpeanuts” I said the last as a mumble but I’m sure everyone heard me.

Niomi just nodded and everyone went back to playing the board game. Dan on the other hand, who was sitting next to me, let out a quiet snort. The thought of hitting him crossed my mind but I restrained myself.

Niomi and Marcus left after they both went bankrupt. They gave me a candle that I’ve heard Niomi talk about often and Niomi and I made plans to go on a run on Tuesday morning.

Tanya and Jim were the next to leave after quitting the game, reasoning that they had to get home. I got an awesome box of Tanya’s cosmetics which she asked me to talk about on my blog. They also gave me an Emma Hardy product that I’ve been dying to try.

Then it was Dodie and Evan that left next. Dodie and I swapped phone numbers and she invited me to come and hang out with her sometime. I have to admit that Evan is very cute but nothing compared to Dan. They didn’t get me anything but I don’t really care.

Louise who left before cake had me open her present early. She got me a few gift certificates to clothes shops in London.

Zoe and Alfie got me a vlogging camera because they want me to try videos on my own. I think they are both crazy but it’s nice to have a backup camera is my current one dies. Zoe also gave me a few of her product because the closest store to me was always out and I still haven’t gotten to try them.

Phil got me enough candy to last me until Christmas and that is only if I eat candy for every meal. They were all of my favorites. I think Phil is trying to get me fat.

Dan on the other hand just got me something small. I opened it to find five black bracelets. One was just black leather that was braided together. The next was much the same but it had a silver cursive charm that said dream. The next was just a strip of leather connected to a silver cursive love charm. Another was braided leather with an animal charm. Upon closer inspection I noticed that it was a llama. The last was what looked like four pieces of leather weaved into something similar to a braid and there was another animal charm that was the head of a lion.

I think that Dan’s gift was by far my favorite. Am I biased? Nah… yeah. I totally am.

Dan, Phil and I had made plans with Zoe and Alfie to stay up all night and watch scary movies, so once every one left, the five of us piled on the couches in the cozy room off the kitchen.

Dan and I were sat on one side then Zoe, Alfie and Phil were on the other side. Zoe put in a movie that I didn’t catch the name of and we all, having changed into our pajamas, and cuddled up on the couch with fuzzy blankets.

The scary stuff started happening almost instantly. I hid under the blanket causing Dan to laugh and wrap his arm around me. I then buried my face into his chest.

“I hate scary movies.” I said, my voice muffled by Dan’s shirt causing everyone to laugh.

I stayed hidden in Dan’s shirt for the rest of the movie and I couldn’t even appreciate the feel of Dan’s arm wrapped around me because I was so scared. Maybe that’s a good thing…

Next it was Phil’s turn to pick the movie and of all of the movies he could have chosen, it was Paranormal Activity. If I wasn’t too terrified to move, I would have hit him.

Somehow I made it through the movie. I don’t even know how, but I did it.

Dan and Phil were both going to sleep down stairs on the couches while I got the guest bedroom. Dan told me that the only reason I got the room was because it was my birthday party, otherwise he would have fought me tooth and nail for that room. I didn’t say it, but I don’t think I’d mind sharing…

Zoe and I headed up to the guest room to talk and catch up. We go comfy on the bed.

“So, how long have you and Dan been a thing?” Zoe said.

I had just been taking a drink of my tea when she said that making me choke.

“What!?” I exclaimed.

“You and Dan.” She answered.

“Dan and I are not a thing.” I stated.

“Come on, you don’t have to keep it from us. We can be discrete about it.” She said.

“Zoe, Dan and I, are in absolutely no way in a relationship that is more than friends. Dan doesn’t like me like that. How many times do I have to say this? Dan does not like me as anything more than a friend.” I said

“Not once in that sentence did you say you didn’t like Dan.” said Zoe with a smirk.

“I-I I’m not-I don’t-I-ugh. You…” Hey look at me, I can make sentences… NOT!

“Sam, it’s obvious that you like him. It’s equally obvious that he likes you as well but you are both too blind to see that.” Said Zoe in a matter of fact way.

“He doesn’t like me.” I said crossing my arms.

“Fine. How was going home?” she said changing the subject.

I started in on talking about everything I got up to in the US.

“Oh by the way, I have something to tell you. The guys have already found out so I figured I should just tell everyone so here is goes. I don’t actually sound like a banshee when I sing. I’m actually pretty good.” I admitted.

“I knew you were faking it. No one can actually sound that bad unless you were trying to be that bad.” She said.

We both ended up in a fit of giggles. When they subsided, we realized how late it was so we said our goodnights. Almost the instant my head hit the pillow, I was out like a light.

I woke up around nine the next morning and made my way down to the kitchen to find a very sleepy looking Zoe sitting at the table with a cup of tea. I could see Dan still passed out on the couch. Looking at his sleeping form, I couldn’t help but smile.

“Wanna wake the guys with breakfast?” I asked.

“Sure. What should we make?” she asked.

“I have the perfect idea.” I said with a smirk.

We got all set up and Zoe put on some music. I had a bit of trouble working out her coffee maker so she ended up making me a cup. I got started with the pancake batter while Zoe was cutting up fruit for fruit salad. About every five minutes we had a dance break where we danced around her kitchen to a particularly good song.

Alfie joined us about twenty minutes after I first came out. He sat at the table laughing at Zoe and I for our silly dance moves. I couldn’t help but laugh along.

As soon as the first pancake hit the pan, Phil poked his head out of the door.

“Pancakes?” he asked, his hopeful face looking like he was a disembodied head.

Zoe and I were doubled over in laughter which ended in me burning the first pancake. The rest of the pancakes came out much better. I swear.

We had everything done and out on the table but Zoe and I were having too much fun dancing around the kitchen to stop. We even got Alfie up to dance with us. Phil on the other had was just mesmerized by the pancakes.

We were dancing around when suddenly I felt a hand on my hip. I looked up to see Dan. He took my hand and spin me around. The spin made me dizzy and coupled with my inherent clumsiness, disaster ensued. I landed on my butt pulling Dan and Zoe, who I instinctually grabbed to save myself, down to the floor with me.

There was about three seconds of dead silence and then the three of us burst into laughter. The laughter was so infectious that even Alfie and Phil joined in on the laughter.

“Thank god I got all of that on video.” said Alfie pointing to the camera he had set up in the cupboards that no one had noticed.

The silence died away.

“Alfie, you know you can’t post that, right?” I asked.

“Yeah I know, but I figured that when you’re in videos, Zoe could post a collective vlog with you.” He explained.

I sighed.

“Okay but be really careful not to post it until then.” I said.

He nodded and in less than a minute we were back to normal. Zoe and I figured that was enough dancing for one day and we tucked in to breakfast.

Right after breakfast, Dan, Phil, and I all had to pack up to go home. I didn’t get a chance to go to the ocean this time but I was definitely going to have to make plans for that soon. Zoe was going to drive us to the station.

At the platform, I wrapped Zoe into a hug.

“Thank you for my birthday party. I really had a lot of fun. Oh and thank you for making if feel like we were just hanging out instead of it being like and actual party. I appreciate it.” I said.

“No problem. See you later.” She said.

We got on the train but before going all the way in, I turned to give her one last wave good bye. Zoe is one of the best things I could have ever gained from meeting Dan and Phil, a true friend. No one can beat Lily, but Zoe comes close.